I have color-treated naturally curly hair, and that means that my hair needs added moisture and TLC, and I rely upon good hair masks and leave-in conditioners to keep my hair moisturized and in tip-top shape. I recently started using the JOICO Defy Damage Protective Masque, and I am quite impressed by the results. I simply leave this mask on for 5-6 minutes and rinse thoroughly and it leaves my dry-leaning hair silky-smooth, unbelievably soft and beautifully moisturized. It doesn't leave behind any sort of greasy residue, and it makes my hair manageable and easy to brush out. It does, however, contain fragrance– as its last ingredient– but the aroma is detectable, and pleasant to me, but it may bother people with fragrance sensitivities. However, I note– on my hair– that the scent fades quickly.
According to JOICO,
Joico Defy Damage Protective Masque is an intensive damage prevention masque to help replenish strength and moisture balance for soft, healthy-looking hair.
Claims & Benefits:
80% less breakage.*
5X stronger hair.*
You want to maintain over 90% of color vibrancy.**
See results after the very first use.
Helps to rebuild broken hair bonds.
Deeply replenishes hair without weighing it down.
Proactively builds hair's resistance to damage.
Leaves hair soft, shiny and healthy.
*Against combing breakage on damaged hair during heat styling; when using Defy Damage Protective Shampoo & Masque vs.a non conditioning shampoo.
**After 10 shampoos; when using Defy Damage Protective Shampoo and Masque.
Directions: Apply to clean, damp hair. Leave in 2-5 minutes. Rinse.
Key Ingredients:
Protective Lipid: The exact kind found in healthy hair - acts as the first line of defense to prevent thermal, chemical, styling, and UV damage. Results are visible with the very first application.
Moringa Seed Oil: A plentiful source of hydration, shine, and softness, bathes hair in the richest antioxidants, Vitamins A and E, Zinc, and Silica - ingredients that are fundamental to creating healthy, strong, damage-resistant hair.
Arginine: Smart-bonding molecule with both positive and negative sites that strengthens hair bonds and encourages bond renewal.
Overall Assessment: This is such a nice addition to my haircare routine since I have color-treated, and naturally curly, hair that requires a lot of extra TLC. This is a first-rate hair mask, in my humble opinion, and it definitely works for my hair.
$28.50 for 5.1 oz. from Ulta, Amazon & Macy's (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Novex is an affordable Brazilian haircare brand that makes a lot of highly popular haircare products, and their collection for curly hair is especially effective for my hair.
Novex My Curls My Style Deep Conditioning Hair Mask is a deeply moisturizing mask that leaves hair conditioned, frizz-free and manageable. It rinses clean, and therefore without leaving behind an unpleasant residue, but it does have a rather strong aroma, but it does dissipate rather quickly. It really works wonders on my naturally curly hair, and it is so affordable.
According to Novex,
Novex My Curls My Style Deep Conditioning Hair Mask helps support a healthier-looking appearance by improving texture, comfort, and overall balance. This formula works to refresh and maintain a smooth finish while helping reduce the look of dryness or unevenness. With consistent use, it leaves skin or hair feeling cleaner, softer, and more manageable, making it a reliable addition to daily routines.
Novex My Curls Deep Conditioning Hair Mask is ideal for all curls of any type. If you have a tight coil or a loose wave this product is made to give you a uniform curl pattern and revive and rejuvenate curly hair. The natural oil blend of macadamia nut oil, argan oil, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil deeply hydrate your hair and bring softness and bounce with every use.
Seal and protect your curls from humidity. You want moisture to be locked into the hair and the hair shaft sealed to make sure outside moisture cannot get into the curls and make them frizz. Hydration and the proper pH of this product ensure your curls are protected.
Product Features:
Helps improve texture and overall appearance for a smoother finish.
Supports hydration and balance to maintain comfort.
Enhances manageability and leaves a refreshed feel.
Directions: Apply to wet hair, leave on for a few minutes, then rinse out.
Ingredients: Listed below (click on image to enlarge).
Overall Assessment: This is a really effective mask for curly hair, but if you prefer unscented haircare products, this might not be for you.
$21.99 for 35.3oz. from Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
If you have dry, very dry, chemically treated or damaged hair, or know someone who does, then read on. If not, the Shu Uemura The Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Collection products aren't likely going to offer many benefits to your hair, but if you have any of these hair issues to contend with, then this is a range that should be on your radar. It is undoubtedly very expensive, as is the case with ultra-luxurious brands, but it has made quite a difference in the appearance of my dry, naturally curly color-treated hair.
I have used these three products for about 8 years, and while I do not use them every single day, I reach for them whenever my hair needs extra TLC. It therefore takes me quite a long time to use up these three products, and I always try to purchase them when they are on sale, I have a gift card, or I have points I can cash in.
Rice Extract is the key ingredient used in the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Collection, and according to Shu Uemura Art of Hair,
For centuries, Japanese women have looked to rice for its immense beautifying powers. Referred to as “nuka biji”, or “beautiful by the rice” Japanese women cherish rice’s ability to hydrate and protect the hair. Enriched with minerals, antioxidants, and B and E vitamins, rice is renowned for its protecting and moisture retaining properties. Harvested in Hyogo, Japan, our rice of the highest polished quality, raised by an eco-friendly duck-cultivation system which maintains purity and ensures maximum natural benefits.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Shampoo ($56.00 for 300ml / 10 oz from Sephora, Shu Uemura Art of Hair and Amazon): Ultimate Reset Shampoo is a restoration shampoo that is specifically formulated for ultra-damaged hair. It gently cleanses, without stripping the hair or scalp, and without weighing down the hair or leaving it greasy. It rinses clean and leaves hair feeling nourished and hydrated. The shampoo has a pleasant fragrance, but it doesn't linger for very long, and I do not smell it in my hair once it has dried.
According to Shu Uemura Art of Hair,
Shampoo for very damaged hair that provides intense care without weighing hair down. gently removes impurities.
Claims:
• Fortifies and beautifies the hair without weighing it down
• Hair is purified
• Hair feels strengthened
KEY TECHNOLOGY:
Co-emulsion:
• Combination of powerful restoring ingredients
• Formulated in extremely small, fine droplets
• Ensures hair is deeply repaired without being weighed down
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Conditioner ($64.00 for 250 ml / 8 oz. from Sephora, Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Amazon): This conditioner is superb for very dry and damaged hair because it is intensely moisturizing and yet it rinses clean and free of any residue. The consistency is mid-weight and emollient, and yet remarkably lightweight feeling in the hair. It deeply nourishes and hydrates hair, fights frizz and efficiently and effectively detangles it. It also has a pleasant fragrance, but it is neither imposing, nor long-lasting.
According to Shu Uemura Art of Hair,
Conditioner for very damaged hair that provides a high level of care that brings softness, suppleness and strength.
Claims:
• Repairs hair helping to protect against breakage
• Instantly eases detangling
• Repairs the hair without weighing it down
• Hair feels strengthened
• Hair restoration conditioner for ultra damaged hair.
KEY TECHNOLOGY:
Co-emulsion:
• Combination of powerful restoring ingredients
• Formulated in extremely small, fine droplets
• Ensures hair is deeply repaired without being weighed down
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Hair Mask ($73.00 for 200 nl/ 6 oz. from Sephora,Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Amazon): I have always been a huge proponent of hair masks, and have used them with great regularity as long as I can remember. Given that I have naturally curly, and dry-leaning, hair– masking is an absolute necessity to keep my hair nourished, hydrated, frizz-free and manageable. If you have yet to experience the wonders of Shu Uemura Art of Hair Masks, I am here to tell you that they are worthy of your haircare bucket-list! They have a mask for every haircare concern, and this one is magical for people like me with dry, damaged or unruly hair.
This mask, which I have leave on anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes, leaves hair incredibly hydrated, soft, manageable, frizz-free and nourished. It has a very thick and emollient consistency, and yet it does not weigh hair down or leave behind any sort of undesirable residue. It allows me to effortlessly comb though my hair, and it leaves it thoroughly tangle-free. It has the same pleasant fragrance as the shampoo and conditioner, and like them it fades very quickly.
According to Shu Uemura Art of Hair,
Hair restoration hair mask for ultra damaged hair. Restorative deep repair with long-lasting nourishment without a heavy touch.
Claims:
• Deeply repairs hair fiber from roots to tips
• Helps to protects against breakage
• Repairs the hair without weighing it down
• Hair feels soft, strengthened, and manageable
KEY TECHNOLOGY:
Ultima 6:
• Contains specialized repairing ingredients which specifically target damaged hair
• Ensures damaged sections get more intensive care
• Leaves hair restored, soft, and weightless
Overall Assessment: I love the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Collection for my dry and curly color treated hair. It is highly effective, and it is such a luxurious treat for my sometimes unruly hair.
I just discovered a wonderful haircare brand, Organic Essentials (OE), that makes lovely cruelty-free and vegan products that are effective, a treat to the senses and a joy to use.
About OE,
Our journey began with our founder who envisioned an affordable, natural, organic hair care formula suitable for all hair types. Over the years, it became abundantly clear that money did not necessarily guarantee quality products that nurtured and nourished one’s hair. With the ethos of sourcing all natural, organic ingredients and with the ideology that no hair type is beyond help, our founder began testing and experimenting with different ingredient blends to ensure a product that was exactly what it claimed to be – vegan, organic, clean and transformational.
All of our ingredients are sourced from micro farmers around the world. The majority of our sourcing and manufacturing however, takes place in Southeast Asia in our continual attempts to obtain the purest of ingredients and process them as close to the source as possible. Taking a different route from conventional wisdom, our shampoo does not rely on chemically cleaning your hair. Rather, our collection of complimentary products seek to nurture and strengthen hair follicles from roots to ends. With staples such as Coconut, Ginseng extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat protein, Argan oil and a multitude of healthy seed and oil extracts scientifically proven to improve scalp and hair health, we aim to deliver top quality products to you in the convenience of your own home.
We are a cruelty free, chemical free, environmentally friendly and ethically sourced brand who believes in the potential everyone’s hair has. We have made it our mission to help our partners and patrons find hair care solutions for all hair and scalp related issues. The shine in your hair is what we aspire to. The bounce in your curls is our reward. Our famously inclusive collection ensures that no matter what type of hair you have, you will find your perfect match at OE Hair Care.
Moisture Replenishing Shampoo with Ginseng Extract & Wheat Protein ($25.50 for 8.5 oz. from Organic Essentials): This delectably scented shampoo, which smells like toasted coconut, is such a treat to the senses. The gentle and non-stripping formula, which rinses clean without any sort of residue, boasts a satisfying lather. It thoroughly cleans the hair, never weighs it down and leaves the hair and scalp comfortably hydrated.
According to Organic Essentials,
Gently cleanses, repairs and revitalizes hair back to health. Plant-derived ingredients that help to restore the balance of your hairs natural PH level. Adds fullness, luster and maintains healthy hair and scalp.
Made from 97% Organic plant-based Ingredients. Has no Sulfates, Parabens, Paraffin, Synthetic Colour, Phthalates, Gluten, Mineral oil, Propylene, Synthetic Fragrance. Not tested on animals.
Active Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Provitamin B5, Ginseng Extract
Organic Argan Kernel Oil.
Organic Essentials Moisture Replenishing Hair Masque with Moroccan Argan Oil ($35.00 for 8.5 oz from Organic Essentials): This richly hydrating and conditioning masque works wonders on dry and damaged hair without weighing it down. Filled with nourishing ingredients, it deeply moisturizes the hair and scalp leaving them comfortable and rejuvenated. Furthermore, hair is left silky smooth, manageable and frizz-free. It has the same wonderful toasted coconut aroma as the shampoo, and it is likewise a joy to use. Simply apply the mask to freshly washed damp hair, leave on for 30 minutes in a plastic shower cap, and then rinse.
According to Organic Essentials,
A rich blend of organic unrefined shea butter and restorative natural oils, this formula is designed to deeply moisturize, strengthen, and revive dry, brittle, and damaged hair.
Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:
Argan Oil: Is extremely high in Vitamin E and intensively conditions both the scalp and hair.
Pro-vitamin B5: Is a water-soluble vitamin and acts as a humectant, improving hair elasticity.
Bran Oil: Contains Ferulic acid and Esters, which stimulate hair growth. Also rich in Antioxidants and Vitamin E.
Jojoba Oil: Nourishes and protects hair strands from losing moisture and breakage.
Perfect for restoring hair back to its healthiest state.
Click on picture above to enlarge ingredients.
Overall Assessment: I am really impressed by the efficacy of these two products, and they are working wonders on my dry-leaning naturally curly hair. I am so impressed, in fact, that I am quite interested in further investigating their other products.
Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.
Original Sprout Luscious Island Hair Masque in Tropical Citrus is a cruelty-free hair mask that offers hair serious hydration. I typically use it once or sometimes twice a week, and it leaves my hair beautifully conditioned, soft, manageable and shiny. It rinses clean, leaving behind no unwanted residue, and it has a wonderful citrus aroma.
According to Original Sprout,
Experience the ultimate in hydration and indulge in irresistibly soft hair with our Luscious Island Hair Masque. This 100% vegan treatment, expertly crafted for all hair types, elevates shine, reduces breakage, and detangles with ease. Luxuriously formulated to restore vitality and brilliance, it is available in a sleek 3 oz size for convenient, on-the-go indulgence.
Features and Claims:
- Crafted for adults, but suitable for all ages.
- Key ingredients: jojoba protein and mongongo oil.
- Deeply restorative treatment for unparalleled hydration.
- Ideal for all hair types.
- Preserves vibrant color while leaving hair radiant and velvety smooth.
- Free from: Sulfates, Phthalates, and Parabens.
- Free from: Soy, Gluten, Honey, Peanut, and Dairy.
- 100% Vegan and cruelty-free.
Directions: After shampooing, apply to hair and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse well. Use 1-2 times per week.
Overall Assessment: I really like this hair mask a lot, and it makes my curly hair quite manageable.
$19.99 for 3 oz. from Original Sprout (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
LEE STAFFORD Grow Strong & Long Activation Treatment Mask, is yet another hit from this wonderful British haircare brand. Given that I have long curly hair, masking is a must for me. In fact, I mask more often than I condition, and that means nearly every time that I wash my hair I mask it! The reason is that the deeper conditioning offers my hair far more moisture and nourishment, and therefore it is much more manageable and healthy.
This is a very rich and moisturizing hair mask that only needs to be left in hair for 5 minutes, but sometimes I leave it on longer, and rinse it our after I have already gotten out of the shower.
This effective treatment mask leaves my hair and scalp intensely moisturized, and my hair is left frizz-free, manageable and shiny. It has a faint aroma that is rather non-descriptive and pleasant, but it fades quickly.
According to LEE STAFFORD,
This rich, intensive hair treatment is here to save your strands! Enriched with a powerful growth boosting complex to nourish and strengthen each strand from within, while deepening the hair into follicles at the root.
The Lee Stafford Grow Strong & Long Activation Treatment Mask contains a unique blend of plant-based Lupine Seeds and proteins, which are essential for hair health and building stronger strands. This nourishing formula also intensely hydrates the scalp, giving hair the perfect base to reach its full potential. The result is a healthier scalp, added moisture and shine.
Features:
For Breakage Prone & Damaged Hair
Supports Stronger, Longer Hair
With Strength Boosting Proteins & Fruit Extracts
Vegan Friendly
Cruelty Free
Directions: After shampooing simply scoop out the equivalent of an egg into the palms of your hands, massage into hair from roots to ends and leave for 5 minutes. Rinse and follow with the Grow Strong & Long Activation Conditioner.
Overall Assessment: I really like this mask a lot, and will definitely use every little bit in this jar. Well done, LEE STAFFORD!
$14.59-$15.19 for 6.7 oz. from LEE STAFFORD, Sally Beauty, Amazon and iHerb (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
FaceTory Hair Mask Bundle features three hair and scalp masks that moisturize, strengthen and balance the hair and scalp. Each mask comes in a resealable pack making them perfect for traveling. I am particularly fond of Moisturize, since I have naturally curly hair that requires deeply moisturizing masks and conditioners, and this one leaves my hair very manageable, frizz-free and moisturized.
Features:
For all types of hair: Each hair mask focuses on providing your hair with the necessary MOISTURE, BALANCE, and STRENGTH it needs to stay soft and healthy-looking. Our sheet masks are easy-to-apply, and come in a resealable pack, allowing for multiple uses.
Fermented Ingredients: like Fermented Soybean, Fermented Aloe and Fermented Rice, will have your hair feeling strong, silky, hydrated and frizz-free!
Their products are cruelty-free.
Products are made in Korea.
According to FaceTory,
Our FaceTory Scalp & Hair Mask Bundle treatment strengthens the hair, deeply penetrates the follicles for hydration, and balances out oil production on the scalp, allowing the hair to become silky smooth, frizz-free, manageable, and luscious.
Directions: After shampooing, apply a generous amount to clean, wet scalp and hair. Gently massage and leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. No need for extra conditioner and gentle enough to use daily!
Key Ingredients (click picture below to read full ingredients):
FERMENTED RICE: Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E and B to nourish the scalp for stronger hair
FERMENTED ALOE: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E to promote healthy hair growth and also soothes irritated scalp.
FERMENTED SOYBEAN: Packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals to deeply condition hair strands and scalp.
Overall Assessment: These are very nice hair masks, and FaceTory also makes exceptionally good skincare products as well. These are definitely worth trying.
KIMTRUE Repair Hair Mask with Macrocystis Pyrifera is a deeply conditioning hair mask that comes in convenient travel-friendly individual packets. It is a thick and rich mask, with a light aroma, that effectively nourishes and moisturizes dry and damaged hair, and leaves it shiny, frizz-free and manageable. Simply apply it to damp, freshly washed hair, and leave it in for about three minutes and thoroughly rinse. They suggest using it 2-3 times for best results, but I find that using it once a week is plenty effective for my hair.
According to KIMTRUE,
Carefully selected macrocystis pyrifera extract 1 from the coast of California. Blended with 8X seaweed essence 2 and hydrolyzed keratin to effectively help improve dry and damaged hair while nourishing and repairing damaged hair, restores the strength and original texture of your hair and makes the hair full of elasticity and shine.
Features:
Triple Nourishing Formula:
First, ✔panthenol: helps the hair to maintain a certain water content, moisturizes hair and increases hair toughness, prevent bifurcation of hair tips, and remains on the hair to extended protection and resist external injuries to the hair.
Second, ✔hydrolyzed keratin: rich in collagen, silk peptide, intercellular lipid and components that increases hair luster. Its special biological structure brings unique biological repair capability to fill the holes in the hair core. Restore the original elasticity and toughness of the hair and increase the resistance.
Third, ✔extract of Macrocystis Pyrifera: Macrocystis Pyrifera captured in an ecological way from the wild Pacific coast of California is rich in minerals, sugars and brown algae polyphenols, which can provide nutrition and antioxidant properties; it helps to enhance cell regeneration potential. It is full of nutrients and protects against pollution.
The power of the two "algaes" cooperate effectively to help improve dry and damaged hair while nourishing and repairing damaged hair, restore the strength and original texture of your hair and make the hair full of elasticity and shine.
1.Macrocystis Pyrifera extract: It is a new kind of algae extract in KIMTRUE. As a symbol of the vitality of marine organisms. Macrocystis Pyrifera is not only the longest family in the world of algaes, but also an extremely fast-growing organic organism on the earth. According to records, the longest ones can reach as long as 300-500m and weigh 200kg. A Macrocystis Pyrifera alone can build a "marine forest".
2. Fucus Vesiculosus extract: The content of fucus vesiculosus in KIMTRUE Repair Hair Mask is 8 times that of that of KIMTRUE Seaweed Extract Hair Conditioner.
Overall Assessment: I am pleasantly surprised by the efficacy of this hair mask, and I love that it comes in travel-friendly packets.
$12.99 from KIMTRUE and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Infused with sustainably-sourced Shea oil from West Africa, patented Cimentrio® complex and essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, KARITÉ HYDRA replenishes moisture to dry scalps and helps repair hair, leaving strands soft, silky and shiny.
René Furterer KARITÉ HYDRA Hydrating Shine Shampoo ($12.00-$64.00 for 1.6 oz, 5 oz. and 20.2 oz from René Furterer, SkinStore, Dermstore and Amazon): I have to preface this by stating that I am thoroughly obsessed with this truly amazing shampoo because it is everything that someone with dry and curly hair, like me, could ever want in a shampoo. It has a satisfying lather, but it never strips the hair, and it rinses clean without leaving behind an oily residue. It has a light, and pleasant aroma, but it isn't long-lasting or cloying. It moisturizes dry hair, without ever weighing it down, and it leaves hair remarkably soft and shiny. It is, in a word, extraordinary!
According to René Furterer,
Formulated with a nurturing and protective blend of Shea oil, Cimentrio complex and essential vitamins, this rich, gentle, silicone-free shampoo for dry hair and scalps replenishes lost moisture, renews softness and enhances shine.
Benefits:
Formulated for dry, dehydrated hair and a normal to oily scalp
Shea oil replenishes moisture, helps restore the natural protective barrier and supplies the hair with essential fatty acids and vitamins
Cimentrio complex helps reinforce strands and prevent further damage
Enhances hair’s softness and shine without weighing it down
Directions: Once or twice a week, apply to wet scalp and hair, work into a lather and rinse. Reapply and leave in for 2 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
René Furterer KARITÉ HYDRA Hydrating Shine Mask ($36.00-$56.00 for 3.4 oz.- 6.9 oz. from René Furterer, Dermstore and Amazon): If ever there was a hair mask that nourished, moisturized and left hair soft, manageable, shiny and frizz-free, it is this one. It offers dry hair much-needed moisture without ever weighing it down, and it rinses clean. It has the most delectable light, nutty aroma that is an absolute pleasure to the senses.
According to René Furterer,
With nourishing Shea oil plus protein-rich Cimentrio complex, this intensive deep-conditioning mask provides optimal hydration without the weight, leaving hair shiny and silky smooth.
Benefits:
Formulated for dry, dehydrated hair
Shea oil replenishes moisture, helps restore the protective barrier and supplies the hair with essential fatty acids and vitamins
Cimentrio complex helps fortify strands and prevent further damage
Enhances hair’s softness and shine without weighing it down
Directions: Once or twice a week, apply a small amount to damp hair section by section after shampooing. Leave in for 2-5 minutes, comb through to detangle and rinse thoroughly.
Klorane Nourishing Mask with Mango is a delectable aromatic mango scented deep conditioning treatment that is extraordinarily nourishing and hydrating for dry and damaged hair. It can either be used as an overnight mask, and rinsed out in the morning, or as traditional deep conditioning treatment. It leaves dry hair soft, silky smooth, shiny, manageable and frizz-free. Hair is not left greasy, limp or weighed down. Additionally, it is safe and gentle and can be used on color-treated hair.
According to Klorane,
This 2-in-1 deep conditioning treatment provides long-lasting nourishment and hydration to dry, dehydrated hair. The plant-based mask seals in moisture and adds shine, without the weight. Can be used as an overnight mask. Perfect for those who have naturally dry, dehydrated hair, have split ends or hair that needs extra nourishment and hydration. Gentle enough for all hair types and ages 3+. Safe for color-treated hair.
Features:
Deeply nourishes the hair without weighing it down
Provides long-lasting hydration, softness and shine
Multi-use for an in shower treatment or overnight deep nourishment
Hair's ability to lock-in moisture is strengthened
8x more concentrated than conditioner
98% natural origin ingredients
Biodegradable. Vegan
100% recycled and recyclable jar
Directions: 1 Mask. 2 Uses: 1. In-Shower mask: Apply mask to hair lengths and ends. Leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse. 2. Overnight mask for a more intense treatment: Apply to dry or towel-dried hair. Leave on overnight. Rinse.
I recently discovered Ivy & Elder, a wonderful Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty-free haircare brand, and their products absolutely love my hair! Furthermore, their products are vegan, 100% cleans and they are EWG Verified. If you are interested in sustainability and clean haircare, then this is a brand to have on your radar.
About Ivy & Elder.
We believe in beauty with a clean conscience. We prioritize ingredient safety over source, meaning that we look for effective, safe ingredients & green processes. While we prefer plant-based ingredients, we will use clean synthetics to achieve the optimal results. We source from partners who share our care for environmental, animal, & human safety. We avoid questionable ingredients & look to the EWG (Environmental Working Group) & CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) for research & validation. We look for organic sources for our natural ingredients & further certifications like EcoCert or Cosmos when ingredients come from vulnerable regions like the Amazon. Ivy & Elder products are fragrance-free & smell only like the ingredients needed for beautiful hair. Click on "ingredient glossary" in the footer at the bottom of this page to learn more about our ingredients. After leaving the corporate world to focus on our families, we are excited to re-enter the beauty category with products we truly love & a company culture that values health, happiness, magic, & beautiful hair. We created Ivy & Elder to capture our delight upon learning that trees actually communicate with each other. The forest is the original social network, where fungi help to relay signals between trees as creatures & plants go about their busy days & nights. Upon discovering & researching the tree horoscope signs based on ancient Druid lunar astrology, our brand name was clear: Ivy (for Gayle’s tree sign) & Elder (for Lisa’s).
Ivy & Elder Willow Talk Leave-In Hair Mask ($26.00 for 4 oz. from Ivy & Elder): This is a wonderful leave-in conditioning treatment that is formulated to improve the health of longer and growing hair. I have long hair that is naturally curly, and I always use a leave-in conditioner to hydrate, fight frizz and fly-aways and to make my hair manageable. Therefore, this leave-in mask is just my type of product, and I was thrilled to try it. I simply apply it to towel-dried hair (from roots to tips) and then comb my hair and allow it to air dry. The end result is that it prevents frizz and fly-aways, makes it easy to get a comb through my curly hair and it even defines my ringlets! Additionally, it hydrates my hair and leaves it soft and silky smooth. It has no discernible scent, and it isn't in the least bit greasy.
According to Ivy & Elder,
Willow Talk is specially formulated to improve the health of long and growing hair by maintaining length without breakage and split ends. Try it for four weeks and you will never want to go back.
Directions: Apply to damp, towel-dried hair before styling. Air dry for a more textured finish. Blow-dry for a more silky finish. And that’s it!
Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:
- White Willow Bark: Provides lightweight but deep moisture.
- Babassu Seed Oil: Highly absorbent, long-lasting moisture that's soft, not slick. Adds elasticity to hair to help prevent breakage.
- Pracaxi Seed Oil: Conditions hair to help repair damage while making detangling a breeze (meaning less breakage and split ends). Adds beautiful, healthy shine.
Ivy & Elder Wear the Wind Wave Spray with Hawthorn Berry ($24.00 for 4 oz. from Ivy & Elder): Unlike many of the wave or beach wave sprays on the market, this one has the distinction of conditioning the hair. Therefore, it doesn't leave hair crunchy, flaky or sticky, but instead hydrated and with movement. It defines curls and waves, fights frizz and fly-aways and gives my curly mane the perfect tousled appearance. It has a very mild herbal aroma, presumably from the Hawthorn Berry, but it is neither long-lasting, nor is it cloying.
According to Ivy & Elder,
A weightless, no-crunch mist for that wind-tousled look. Wear the Wind creates loose and lightly polished waves with anti-frizz conditioning for naturally wavy or heat-styled hair. Ultra-light smoothing works great on normal-to-fine hair. Safe on chemically treated and highlighted hair.
Directions: Shake before use. To enhance natural body and style memory, apply to damp hair. To enhance natural waves and add all-over body, apply to clean, dry hair. Apply on dry, day #2 hair to refresh body and waves.
Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:
- Hawthorn Berry: Helps protect hair from UV rays while also improving hair elasticity to minimize breakage.
- Aloe Vera: Conditions and moisturizes hair while adding beautiful shine.
- Tridecane-Undecane Blend: This coconut-derived, green chemistry breakthrough is a silicone alternative to weightlessly smooth frizz even in high humidity environments.
I am wildly in love with shu uemura art of hair products, and they have long been among my holiest of holy grail haircare picks. Their products are ultra-luxe, a delight to use, and they always deliver real tangible results. I recently began testing the shu uemura art of hair muroto volume hair care for fine hair collection, and I must extol its many virtues for you. If you have fine hair– whether it's straight, wavy or curly– this is a great collection that gives those tresses volume without looking like 80s mall hair. It neither weighs down the hair, nor does it leave behind any sort of residue.
shu uemura muroto volume shampoo for fine hair ($52.00 for 10 oz. from shu uemura art of hair, Sephora, The Bay): This shampoo thoroughly cleans the hair without stripping it, drying it out, and without leaving behind any sort of oily residue. It rinses clean and it has a nice light aroma, but the scent is neither long lasting, nor in the least bit cloying.
According to shu uemura,
This paraben free and silicone free shampoo for fine hair gently cleanses and infuses long-lasting hair volume. It creates a re-balance of natural oils and leaves strands supple with a weightless finish. The hair fiber is fortified, protected against damage and is able to maintain bounce and movement. Safe on colored hair so your hair color can thrive without sacrificing the health of your hair.
Enriched with Himalayan crystal minerals, this shampoo rebalances natural oils and leaves strands supple with a weightless finish. Hair fibers are fortified to ensure protection against damage which helps maintain bounce and movement while providing shine, and a lustrous touch.
Features:
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily
Hair Texture: Fine
Key Benefits: Volume, Shine, and Fortifies Hair Fibers
shu uemura muroto volume lightweight care conditioner ($58.00 for 8oz. from shu uemura art of hair, Sephora): This is a wonderfully lightweight and ultra-emollient conditioner that really hydrates my dry and fine curly hair. It rinses clean, fights frizz, hydrates hair and leaves it shiny with the right amount of volume. It has a light and pleasant aroma, but it isn't long lasting.
According to shu uemura,
A lightweight conditioner that creates long-lasting volume for fine hair. Enriched with Himalayan crystal minerals, this conditioner rebalances natural oils and leaves strands supple with a light finish. Hair fibers are fortified to ensure protection against damage, which helps maintain bounce and movement while creating a shiny, lustrous touch.
Features:
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily
Hair Texture: Fine
Key Benefits: Volume
A nurturing hair mask that creates lightweight and long-lasting volume for fine hair. Enriched with Himalayan crystal minerals, this hair mask rebalances natural oils and leaves strands supple with a light finish. Hair fibers are fortified to ensure protection against damage, which helps maintain bounce and movement while providing shine and lustrous touch.
Features:
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily
Hair Texture: Fine
Key Benefits: Volume, Shine, and Fortifies Hair Fibers
A hydro-texturizing mist that provides texture and volume while keeping a natural look and enhancing movement. Infused with deepsea water, this formula offers pure minerals that shape natural waves for volume with a moveable finish. It is perfect for creating beachy waves or for a full, long-lasting blowout.
Features:
Hair Texture: Fine
Key Benefits: Texture, Voluming, and Color Safe
Directions: -Shake before use to activate ingredients and spray two to three pumps into damp hair before air-drying or blow-drying hair. For light body and texture, mist throughout hair and blow-dry to style as desired. For natural-looking waves, twist hair into desired shape.
